FAQs

What do I do if I find a snake on my property?

The first thing you should is to phone us immediately on 1300 REPTILE. We will instruct you on what to do until we can come and remove the snake for you. Do not attempt to pick up or relocate the snake yourself. In the event that somebody has been bitten immediately contact Emergency - 000.

If I find a snake on my property will there be other snakes around?

Snakes are solitary animals. They are usually alone passing through a property in search for food. During breeding season however it is not uncommon to find multiple snakes looking for a mate.

If a baby snake is found on a property does it mean the mother is around?

No. Snakes are not maternal animals. When a mother snake lays her eggs they are then left to hatch themselves. For snakes that give birth to live young the mother will give birth and leave. The babies are left to survive alone.

Are snakes poisonous?

No. Snakes are venomous. The difference between the two is venom is injected whereas poison is ingested.

How and why do snakes get inside a house?

Snakes will typically enter houses and buildings through open doors and windows. It’s worth noting however that snakes can fit into a gap 1/3 of their width. Because of this we recommend that all doors be fitted with a weather strip across the bottom preventing smaller snakes from passing beneath them. Snakes usually enter houses by accident or on days where it is extremely hot usually to escape the heat and cool down.

Do snakes chase people?

No. Snakes do not chase people. Snakes are typically scared of us or anything larger than themselves so will try to avoid human confrontation. Sometimes they will assume a defensive posture which can be mistaken as a chase but this rarely happens.

Are snakes aggressive?

Snakes are usually not aggressive but typically defensive creatures. If a snake is cornered, attack and/or it fears for its life it will defend itself in the only way it can - to bite. If you happen to come across a snake remain calm and allow the snake plenty of time and space to escape safely.

If I have a Blue Tongue Lizard on my property that means I don’t have snakes, right?

This saying is actually a myth. Snakes and Blue Tongue Lizards are often found existing on the same property. If there is plenty of food around they will usually leave each other alone. However it is not unheard of for Blue Tongue Lizards to feed on baby snakes as well as adult snakes feeding on Blue Tongue Lizards.

Can venomous snakes climb?

Yes. All snakes have the biological capacity to climb. Most venomous snakes prefer to stay low to the ground but will climb for numerous reasons including escaping predators and feeding on birds nesting in trees.

Do chickens attract snakes?

No. Chickens do not attract snakes directly. However keeping chickens does hold the chance of attracting mice which is considered a key food source for snakes in the wild. If you have evidence of mice on your property (sighting them, droppings etc) then there is possibility that you may inadvertently attract snakes.

Do you carry antivenom in case you are bitten?

No. Not all snake bites require antivenom. Antivenom can only be legally administered at a hospital under strict supervision and observation due to possible allergic reactions.

Are baby snakes venomous?

Yes. Baby snakes are born with same toxicity of venom as an adult snake.

I cant find an answer to my question. Who do I contact?

Feel free to contact us via email for any questions you may have. Alternatively you can phone us at 1300 REPTILE.